The first bite is hearty, cheesy, and full of that smoky chili flavor. The pasta soaks it all up, and the melted cheese on top makes it extra cozy.
I made this casserole on a cold evening, and it felt like the perfect comfort food. My family went back for seconds, and the pan was empty by the end.
If you want a dinner that’s warm, filling, and loaded with flavor, this coney chili mac casserole is perfect. Let me show you how to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love this cheesy, hearty combination
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one casserole dish for easy cleanup
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Make-Ahead Perfect: Prepare ahead for busy weeknight dinners
- Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people generously. Perfect for a family dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with simple steps that anyone can follow.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying meal that tastes like comfort in a casserole dish.
The ground beef provides hearty protein, while the elbow macaroni gives you that classic mac and cheese feel. The tomato sauce and beef broth create a rich base, and the mustard adds that signature coney dog flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and texture
- Elbow Macaroni (12 oz box): The perfect pasta shape for holding onto all that cheesy goodness
- Tomato Sauce (15 oz can): Forms the saucy base of our casserole
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds extra depth and keeps everything moist
- Yellow Mustard (2 tablespoons): The secret ingredient that gives this dish its coney dog taste
- Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and that classic chili flavor
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups shredded): Use sharp cheddar for the best melting and flavor
- Saltine Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Creates a crunchy topping
- Crispy Onions (1 cup): Adds texture and that finishing touch
Variations for Coney Chili Mac Casserole
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition
- Spice It Up: Use hot chili powder or add diced jalapeños for heat
- Cheese Options: Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for different flavor
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Mustard Varieties: Experiment with Dijon or whole grain mustard for different tastes
How to Make Coney Chili Mac Casserole Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside. This prevents mushy pasta in your finished casserole.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Build the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, beef broth, mustard, and chili powder to the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Combine Everything
Mix the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture until everything is well coated. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, and crispy onions.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Coney Chili Mac Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any extra sauce
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition
- Pickles: Just like on a real coney dog, pickles cut through the richness
- Coleslaw: Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm casserole
Storing Coney Chili Mac Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving
- Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking
- Make ahead by assembling without the topping, then add crackers and onions before baking
- Double the recipe for meal prep or large gatherings
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Recipe Card
PrintBest Coney Chili Mac Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish Casserole
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
12 oz elbow macaroni
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed ”
1 cup crispy onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain fat.
- Make Sauce: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, mustard, and chili powder to beef. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine: Mix cooked macaroni into beef mixture. Add half the cheese and stir until melted.
- Assemble: Transfer to greased 9×13 inch dish. Top with remaining cheese, crushed crackers, and crispy onions.
- Bake: Cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest: Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Coney Chili Mac Casserole FAQs
Yes, assemble the casserole without the cracker and onion topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add toppings and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Cook the pasta just until tender, not fully done. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Conclusion
This Best Coney Chili Mac Casserole brings together everything you love about comfort food in one satisfying dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tangy mustard flavor, and melted cheese creates a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing something special to a potluck, this casserole delivers every time.
The ingredients I used to create this recipe were ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, beef broth, mustard, chili powder, cheddar cheese, crackers, and crispy onions.
